Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Despite my current illness, and the rather rough bout of depression through the summer, 2008 has been without a doubt one of the best years of my life. Here are just a few of the things that make me feel that way.

-Wonderful trip to Manhattan: Ellis Island, Pizza @ John's, Central Park, and 59th street bridge-Marking 10 wonderful years with Josh-My first jazz concert: sublime!-Participating in the political process: caucusing, delegate at District 10 convention, and voting on a cheery election day morning-Fun visits to the Amon Carter and Kimbell Art Museums-Trying 4 new restaurants and finding a couple of favorites-Getting more exercise: walking and pilates-Eating better: Start making salad for us throughout the week, try more vegetarian recipes-Making new friends and finding old ones-Cruising along on our second wedding anniversary: lazy day on the beach, hiking Mayan ruins, good eats and good times-Saving over $18K this year!-House-hunting: maybe depressing at times, but a marker of a new phase in our life-Celebrating with friends their weddings, birthdays, new births, etc.-Supporting Josh in his new job that he loves-Accomplishing half of my New Year's Resolutions-Feeling positive about the year to come

Very much hoping that 2009 will be very jealous of this list and set out to top 2008! I'll share my new resolutions in the new year. Right now I'm hoping I'll be feeling well enough to drag myself out of bed to go by the party being thrown by Josh's bosses and then to the DeMeglio casa party.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

The rest of our Christmas celebrating went reasonably well, aside from me catching a bug from my cousin on Christmas Day and being stuck at home in bed for the past few days. Still stuck in bed as I type this actually. Everyone really liked their presents, which makes me very happy. And I of course got wonderful things from my loved ones. I was lucky enough to get the Marx Bros. collection, 30 Rock Season 2, Across The Universe and I'm Not There on DVD. I got the latest Sarah Vowell book, which I already finished and loved, and Eric Lax's book of interview's with Woody Allen which I'm just starting to read. Best of all I got lots of stuff to boost my interest in photography. Josh's mom got me the Complete Digital Photography 4th Edition, my brother and family got me the 2nd and 3rd books by Ansel Adams, my mom got me a book on shooting people from a National Geographic photographer, and Josh got me all sorts of goodies. He said he wanted to get me photography stuff since I've needed a hobby as long as I've known him (which is absolutely true). He got me a set of filters for D40 lenses, a lens pen for keeping them clean, and the Holga that I really wanted. Josh's brother got me a package of 120 film, so I was able to take pictures right away. Now I just need to find a place to get it developed! I'm very excited to use all the tools everyone has given to me to learn more.

I've been working on my resolutions for 2009 and am almost done. I'll share them when I am. Now I go back to being sicky, laying in bed and watching more 30 Rock.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

I made sure that Josh wouldn't be peeking before I decided to share what I've got tucked under the tree for him to open Christmas morning. Shopping for Josh can be difficult. He tends to say he has everything he wants (aside from expensive technology that I refuse to purchase him). Add to that the size of our family who needs ideas for Josh too and I usually have to come up with a slew of suggestions for everyone, including me. On top of that, Josh usually ends up spoiling it a bit for me because he usually asks for something I've chosen for him already, ruining the surprise just a bit. But at least I know he'll like it! Here's what he's getting this year.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Friday:-Work, blech-Deposit check-Pick up package at home-Stop by mom's to pick up photograph-Michael's & Lowe's for gifts-Post office to mail package to Dad & Lindsey-Target for more gifts and groceries-Chick-fil-a for dinner-Put up groceries-Eat and watch Muppets Christmas special, not that great but I laughed a lot-Veg out for a bit-Make to-do list for next day-Bedtime

Saturday:-Oversleep-Shower-Errands to Fort Worth Camera and World Market for gifts-Egg & cheese sandwiches for lunch-Wrap up Christmas treats for delivery-Pick order up at Fort Worth Camera-Wrap, wrap, wrap!-Spaghetti dinner prepared by Josh :)-More wrapping while watching White Christmas-Make blueberry muffins for next day's brunch-Make cookie cottages for Christmas deliveries while watching Scrooged-Sleepies

Sunday:-Up early-Get ready-Christmas brunch at the Hoover house-Visit, eat, open gifts, etc.-Finally head home after some fireside chat-Gather up our goodies and deliver to friends-Home for more gift wrapping-Salad and hot dogs for dinner-Catch a little Wizard of Oz and munch chips & dip-Hit the hay-Can't sleep, read some Newsweek, finally conk out

Friday, December 19, 2008

It's getting late in the day, but I just had to share. Through an unrelated search I stumbled upon the Boston Public Library's Flickr photostream. I'm loving the photography collections, most especially the Abdalian Photographs. The winter scenes really put me in the mood for my busy weekend of Christmas chores and activities.

From the Read portion of my Christmas list I'm hoping to find this interesting book under the tree this year. I found many of the pre-restoration photographs on exhibit through our tour of Ellis Island earlier this year fascinating and I know that I would love to spend some time examining all the interesting photographs behind this cover. Thanks in part to Mr. Wilkes' photography they have begun working on the restoration of the south side of Ellis Island. Maybe someday I'll be able to go back and tour the entirety of this fascinating historical place.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Sometime last week while blog trolling I came across a link to these cookie cottages from Martha Stewart. For the life of my I can't remember what blog I saw it on, even after re-trolling in search of it. I've never made a gingerbread house before, so this seemed like these graham cracker structures would be just as fun, but a bit easier. I asked Josh if he'd have some holiday fun with me and he said sure. During our grocery shopping on Sunday we picked up supplies, including some pre-made royal icing at Central Market. That night we set up shop at the dining table, turned the Christmas carols on and got to work. This was such a fun and easy activity! We have plenty of icing and some grahams and candy decorations left. I'm going to pick up a few more supplies tonight and we're going to make some houses to deliver to friends this weekend. What fun we'll have! It barely took us an hour to make these and that was our first time so the rest of them should be a breeze. I think this will definitely become part of our holiday traditions, at least till I feel like tackling the big real deal.

Friday:-Decide to stay home, sleep in-Coffee-Turn on the Christmas tunes and get to work-Clean dining room ceiling fan, sweep cobwebs from ceiling & corners-Clean off table-Put up new silverware till have new cutlery tray-Plan Christmas morning buffet arrangement-Clean kitchen-Drop off electric bill and work order for closet leak-Organize Christmas gifts (all thirty-odd) into their to-be-wrapped packaging-Clean bathroom-Tidy living room-Put out porch decorations-Organize Goodwill donations-Lunch-Finish tidying up as much as possible with closet contents everywhere-Blog reading-Wait for Josh to get home-Make dinner & eat-Shower-Get ready-Holly arrives to do some improvements on me-Get awesome gift from Holly! Thank you!-Watch TV with Josh before heading out-Calhoun show with tons of people-Head home-Crash into bed

Saturday:-Oversleep way too much-Toast and coffee-Make week's menu and grocery list-Shower-Get ready-Head to Dallas-Load-in-Dinner at Cafe Brazil-Crazy detour to pick up iPod, then decide against it-Sunward set-Load-up and head home-Bedtime

Sunday:-Up early-House hunting-Grilled cheese and soup for lunch-Grocery shopping-Unload the cargo-Bake chicken for recipe later in the week-Make muffins for Christmas brunch try-out-Prep salad and veggies-Make pizza for dinner-Eat and finish episode of What Not To Wear-Catch Barry Manilow on Graham Norton, love him!-Make cookie cottages with Josh-Tidy up-Nighty-night

Thursday, December 11, 2008

In the Wear section of my Want, Need, Wear, Read Christmas list I asked for these cute rain boots from Target. They remind me of some I liked from J. Crew awhile back. At least I think it was J. Crew. A little silly, but still somehow useful- I decided to add them to my wish list. :)

Monday, December 8, 2008

Friday:-Work, blech-Home in time to see Josh off to Dallas-Make dinner for myself, grilled cheese and steak fries-Watch What Not To Wear and make week's menu plan-Sort out Christmas gift purchases for the week-Watch 3rd episode of The Monarchy and re-edit some pics of Abbey-Hit the hay

Saturday:-Rise and shine early-Shower and get ready-Griffin's 1st birthday party-Grab some Chipotle on the way home-Eat and see Josh off to Rock School and Rollins gigs-Catch The Shop Around The Corner on TV-Watch White Christmas and eat rest of Chipotle while finishing 7 loads of laundry-Find boxes for some Christmas presents and work on stocking stuffers-Welcome Josh home from gigs-Catch second half of You've Got Mail, what a coincidence!-Finish off bread pudding-Bedtime

Sunday:-Oversleep-Wake up with hot chocolate-Watch show on Nazi occultism-Finish up grocery list-Get ready-Grocery shopping at Target and Central Market-Unload cargo-Gumbo and demi-baguette for lunch while catching up on 30 Rock-Do kitchen chores and veggie prep while watching A Muppet Christmas Carol-Shower-Make ham & mozz paninis and rosemary potatoes for dinner-Make a list of gift wrapping supplies needed while dinner cooks-Eat-Finish off Newsweek issue-Goodnight

Thursday, December 4, 2008

The past two years we have hosted my immediate family for Christmas morning, which means I have to play Santa Claus and handle all the stockings. Usually everyone contributes a little something for everybody's stocking, but I'm in charge of all the rest. I've taken care of a good chunk of my Christmas gift shopping, so my mind has turned to the little goodies I'd like to get for everyone this year. Some of these are ideas I've already used, some I plan to use this year and then there are some that are a constant tradition. What do you like to find in your stocking?

Gift Cards- they are always a welcome gift, popular ones are for iTunes, Target and restaurants.Apples- a traditional stocking stuffer.Clementines- so much easier to eat than an orange and easier to work in around all the other goodies.Ferrero Roche- my bro loves these candies, and I happen to like them too.Socks- I think a cute pair of socks is a nice surprise.Burt's Bees- any lip balm could do, but Josh specifically asked for this after I gave him a tube last year.St. Ive's Apricot Scrub- I always ask for a tube at Christmas.Dublin Dr. Pepper- This is the Dr. Pepper still made with pure cane sugar, a local delicacy.Mexican Coca-Cola- Again made with real sugar, so good right out of the nostalgic bottle.Haribos Golden Bears- THE BEST GUMMI BEARS, everyone gets a bag every year.Chocolates- Ghirardelli squares are a favorite as are Lindt truffle balls, Toblerone and plenty of classics like kisses, peanut butter cups, etc.Hand Cream- A classic like Nuetrogena's is a unisex treat.Handkerchiefs- I've gotten Josh some before and he uses them all the time. I feel like I married a real gentleman when he pulls one out of his back pocket. And I never have to worry about carrying tissues in my bag!Candy Cane- Duh! Gotta have a candy cane hanging on your stocking.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving weekend! We had a nice holiday at my Aunt & Uncle's house. Lots of turkey and pies, what more could you ask for on Thanksgiving?

Friday Josh and I lazed around until I finally urged him that we needed to get a move on. We went and got our hair cut and stopped by the store for a few supplies and my office to pick up a movie from Mom. We got home and had veggie stir-fry and chicken eggrolls for lunch. Then my cousin Angie came over to dye my hair and watch Miracle on 34th Street, which I had discovered she'd never seen just the night before. I popped popcorn and we had plenty of leftover cookies from the day before. After Angie left I just wasted some time watching television till Josh got home from being musical and stuff.

Saturday we overslept for sure. We pretty much decided to spend the day in our pajamas and that's just what we did. Didn't even get dressed when we ran by Mom's to borrow some Christmas movies. I watched White Christmas and worked on gift ideas a little bit. That night I made ham & mozzarella paninis w/ roasted rosemary potatoes and had a bottle of Merlot while we watched A Mighty Wind together. Josh played some video games and I goofed around w/ his music program before hitting the hay.

Sunday we really overslept again. We spent a good chunk of the day being lazy again. I baked a few more chocolate chip cookies and put the rest of the dough in the freezer for later. Watched Christmas Vacation while working on gift ideas some more. I got cleaned up and then Josh and I discussed some of our gift ideas. Then we went out to grab a few groceries from Central Market and pick up our Christmas tree. We got home and got the tree in place with lights and then I made dinner. We enjoyed fish & chips, split a bottle of Old Speckled Hen and finished the meal off with some bread pudding while watching Love Actually. Finished decorating the tree while we watched the rest of the movie. Read some David Sedaris and tried my best to fall asleep, darn insomnia.

So, overall a great lazy weekend. And boy did we need it. Josh has either a rehearsal or show this Friday night, I can't remember which. And then Saturday we have Griffin's birthday party, followed by the Rock School show, followed by the Johnny Lloyd Rollins show. Sunday is more house-hunting, joy of joys. So, a couple days spent mostly in pajamas was well called for and well enjoyed.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

So, yesterday's house inspection did NOT go well. Guess we should have listened to Ed & Gary in the first place, but we liked it so much we just had to find out for sure. And it sure needs more work than we can afford to put into it, at least at the price they're willing to sell at. So, back to searching the listings, day in and day out. Waiting for price-drops and new properties to pop up. Got a list of houses to take a look at after the holiday. Sure would have been nice to achieve our goal of being in a house before the year was out, but in a situation like this where you don't control all the circumstances you can't really do much about it. I just hope that we can find something that will work for us. Strangely, the more houses we take a look at the longer my 'wants' list gets, instead of becoming more lax and willing to compromise on more and more stuff. That probably doesn't bode well for us, but we'll do what we can.

Friday, November 21, 2008

We made an offer on a house we both really liked and it was accepted! So now my brain is about to explode. So much to do. So, so much. I don't want to share anything about the particular house, mostly because I'm superstitious. We have to meet with our lender tomorrow to get stuff going on that end, and schedule the inspection ASAP. We think there will probably be an issue or two to come up in the inspection, so we need plenty of time to discuss anything that might give us pause. So much to do and so little time. Seriously, we set a super early closing date to show them we meant business. Yoinks, I could use a drink. Or at least a cherry coke.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Like I mentioned before I broke my wish list this year up into four categories- Want, Need, Wear, Read. This item is from the Need category. Now, I know what you're thinking. I need the Expandable Bamboo Cutlery Tray from Crate & Barrel? Yes. Yes I do. And I'll tell you why. Because I have searched high and low for an attractive tray that will allow me to organize my flatware the way I wish to, and this is the first one I've found that looks like it will fit the bill and fit my taste. And I am so ridiculously neurotic and particular about things that I won't use our new flatware until it has a nice home to go to after washing up. And I have such regard for the new flatware that I refuse to put it in the cheap plastic tray I bought many moons ago when we moved into our apartment. Not to mention that the plastic tray we have won't let me organize the utensils just the way I want. Again, with the pickiness, I know. Anyway, that's the reason it's a need, not a want. I really need to put my pretty forks, knives and spoons to good use and to rest in a good home.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Friday:-Up early-Toast and coffee for breakfast-Brush and floss-Off to dentist-Halcion, take me away-Dentist over, three fillings later-Sleep 5 hours, I heart you Halcion-TV time in bed, finish Gilmore Girls S6-Sleeptime

Sunday:-Up early-Meet Ed at Winfield house- cute but small and what up with the fire damage?-Fuller house- needs too much "TLC"-Melita house- too much gun paraphernalia and booze, creepy-Overton house- foundation sucks-Staples house- foundation sucks, smells like mold, blech-Home to be depressed about no house yet-Pumpkin bread and coffee during more Gilmore Girls-Quick trip to store-Make salad-Make roasted carrots-Get ready-Head to Hoovers for early Thanksgiving dinner-Visit, eat, vent to Kim about house hunt, play with Griffin, fix John's TV, etc.-Head home-One more GG episode-Bedtime

Thursday, November 13, 2008

With such a short amount of time between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year people are already asking for gift ideas from me. So, I've been working on my wish list lately. I've separated it into 4 categories- Want, Need, Wear, and Read. I got the idea from dandee via stephmodo. At the top of my Want list is a fun little camera.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Everyone tells me that house hunting is supposed to be fun, but for me it's just been a big ball of frustration. We'll be going on our third round of house viewings this weekend in as many weeks. The house that we both loved has problems. Problems that make everyone tell us to not like it. The house that everyone else likes I grow to dislike more and more. You have to make compromises in choosing a house, I know this. But how do you know what compromises to make? How do you know what stays and what goes? I want a house that I'm happy to live in, not one that I count the things I need to change every time I walk in. I hate having to give up so much of what I've been looking forward to in having a home just to get one. I'm starting to wish I could just give a picture to Santa, like Natalie Wood in Miracle on 34th Street. For a girl who has to flip a coin to choose an ice cream flavor, who has spent 20 minutes debating frozen pizza options, who would usually just chose the status quo to avoid making a bad choice, this whole thing is just brain-meltingly hard. Blerg.

Saturday:-Up early-Start coffee-Shower-Have coffee and get ready-Meet Uncle Gary in the parking lot-Meet Ed over at Martin Lydon house, lots of awkward stuff on that house-Cockrell house, everyone likes it even as I like it less and less-Morrell house, slanty floors, front door won't close-Melita house, teeny kitchen, birds nest, etc.-Willing house, well done re-do but not to our taste in a bad neighborhood-Westfield house, are you kidding me? So weird-Back home, bummed out-Grab more Sonic and eat-Had to Steph's to help prep for Rylee's party-Party time-Big time tummy troubles, make an early exit-Home sick and resting-Look over house stuff-Hit the hay

Sunday:-Sleep in-Catch some CNN while looking at house stuff some more-Coffee and cheese toast-Couple episodes of Gilmore Girls-Get ready-Grocery shopping-Unload the cargo-Gumbo for dinner-Prep bread for freezer and week's salad while watching Good Neighbors-Shower-Some more Gilmore Girls and house research-Bedtime

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

I got up bright and early this morning, donned my white shirt, favorite red hoody and best blue jeans and walked down to my polling place. I saw a lot of familiar faces from the caucus and convention earlier this year. Being there early allowed me to witness the poll workers take their oath, which was actually quite moving to me. And now I'm sitting here in my red, white and blue pajama pants watching election coverage. I love election day. Nothing makes me so proud to be an American like participating in the political process that marked us as something new and different in the world. Go democracy!

Monday, November 3, 2008

Friday:-Sleep-in, no work yay!-Tidy up-Watch some Ghosthunters-Vacuum-More Ghosthunters and paint my nails-Shower-Run to Walgreens for more pantyhose-Eat-Finish getting ready-Head to Club Dada-Load in and help set things up-Grab some grub at Cafe Brazil-Rock out to Sunward as The Flaming Lips-After party at John's-Head home-Totally crash on the couch

Saturday:-Recuperate from Friday night while watching a lot of television, oy

Sunday:-Lay around an extra hour- thank you Daylight Savings!-Shower-Get ready-Meet our realtor Ed-Tour 5 house possibilities, eliminate 3 of them (are you kidding me with that broken down hot tub and handmade shack?)-Grab some Sonic-Head home for eating and discussing-Make menu plan and grocery list-Stop by Deana's to drop some stuff off-Grocery shopping-Unload cargo-Tidy up-Catch most of All The President's Men and half of Clue on the telly while looking over house pics and info-Hit the hay

Thursday, October 30, 2008

I already shared how I've been enjoying the haunting season by reading a bit of Poe. I've also been indulging in some of my favorite spooky/scary/suspenseful flicks over the past few weeks, and thought I'd share. :)

Arsenic & Old Lace- A drama critic learns on his wedding day that his beloved maiden aunts are homicidal maniacs, and that insanity runs in his family. Cary Grant really gets to show off his comedic chops in this one! Lots of laughs, but don't be fooled, there are a few scenes that really get your adrenaline pumping.

Psycho- A young woman steals $40,000 from her employer's client, and subsequently encounters a young motel proprietor too long under the domination of his mother. I recommend that you watch this on DVD so that you can watch the documentary about the making. It really helps you appreciate how ground-breaking a film this was.

Rear Window- A wheelchair bound photographer spies on his neighbors from his apartment window and becomes convinced one of them has committed murder. Jimmy Stewart and Grace Kelly are fabulous, but I think Thelma Ritter is my favorite.

The Birds- A wealthy San Francisco playgirl pursues a potential boyfriend to a small Northern California town that slowly takes a turn for the bizarre when birds of all kinds suddenly begin to attack people there in increasing numbers and with increasing viciousness. Hitchcock is infamous for the leading ladies he chose, but I think he had a real gift for picking first class leading men as well. Rod Taylor- yum!

Sleepy Hollow- Ichabod Crane is sent to Sleepy Hollow to investigate the decapitations of 3 people with the culprit being the legendary apparition, the Headless Horseman. I really love this movie. One of my favorite Depp films, by far.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

This is quite possibly one of the coolest party ideas I've heard. Joanna Goddard threw a 1930s party to celebrate the current day depression. It's the awesomest. These are the kind of people I want (need) to be friends with.

Monday, October 27, 2008

As you might have noticed from my Weekend Roundup below, I did a big closet purge yesterday. It really was big. I tried on lots of clothes that had been hanging around in my closet for a long time. I cleaned out my sock, underwear, and lingerie drawers. I packed away some of my more summery clothes and pulled out all my sweaters. I changed out some hangers and rearranged the order in which some of my clothes hang. One of the most important things I did was collect all the items that I haven't worn yet. Items that still had tags on, a few that didn't but that I knew I hadn't worn yet, and I totaled up their cost. I had a $150 dollar pile sitting on my bed. That's a lot of money. Especially for a girl who is squeamish about spending more than $35 dollars on an article of clothing. Actually, that was how much the most expensive item of clothing was, which just goes to show me that my attempts at frugality often backfire. Items bought with the idea that I would have them altered, hemmed, taken in. Things I bought while under the pressure of external influence- time, budget, friends.

So, from here on out unless I have 100% knowledge of my size needs with a particular brand, I will not buy pants online. I will not buy pants without trying them on. I will not assume that I'll get around to going to a tailor soon. I will not tell myself that I'll just wear them with taller heels. I will not settle for things that are only going to end up a total waste of my money and space.

Friday:-Work, yuck-Get very upset with mortgage officer-Go home-Lots of laundry & working on recipe list-Play DVR catch up- Starter Wife, Nanny McPhee, etc.-Popcorn for dinner-Wait for Josh to get home-Bedtime

Saturday:-Oversleep-Egg & cheese toasters and coffee for breakfast-Catch some Tim Gunn TV-Get ready-Poor tummy ache :(-Head to Magic Etc. for Josh's Halloween costume-Wander around Lowe's to dream about appliance shopping and grab paint samples-Grab some Chik-fil-a for late lunch/early dinner-More DVR and recipe work while Josh runs errands-Josh home and settle in for Halloween movie- Psycho-Climb in bed for some reading-Hit the hay

Sunday:-Oversleep again, so tired lately-Cereal and coffee-Finish menu plan and grocery list-Get ready-See Josh off to practice-Watch Arsenic & Old Lace, Rear Window, and The Gay Divorcee during major closet purge-Josh home and off to grocery shop-Put up groceries-Back to closet cleaning and watch Follow The Fleet-Dinner of Mac & Cheese and Nathan's Hot Dog, mmmmm-Finish closet work-Nighty-night

Thursday, October 23, 2008

I FINALLY finished reading Team of Rivals Monday after a long, cozy Friday night that consisted of tomato soup, grilled cheese, a bowl of popcorn and a lot of page turning. I don't know what book I want to move onto next, but I'm taking a little detour to celebrate Halloween while I decide. Currently resting on my bedside table is the complete works of Edgar Allan Poe. Here's hoping I don't here any gentle rapping at my chamber door!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Our port day in Cozumel was also our second anniversary. We spent it at Nachi Cocom, which I was more than happy to visit again, having been there on my first cruise. Josh liked it just as much as I did, so I think we'll definitely return if we ever take this trip again. Oh, how I miss you Nachi!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Josh and I are about to start shopping around for a mortgage. Right now we're still on the fence as to whether we should use a broker or just do the legwork ourselves and find a mortgage on our own. We've already e-mailed Ed, who Carrie & Casey recommended to us, and we'll probably be using him as our realtor but he isn't in the brokerage side of stuff anymore. Anywho, lots of ranting and raving probably to come in the future about all aspects of this, ha. Here's the humorous part- I managed to stumble upon It's Lovely! I'll Take It!. Thankfully my boss had left for the day because I've been laughing so hard it brought tears to my eyes. Too, too funny. I wish I had known about it before because there have been several pics I could have submitted as I've been trolling the house listings the past few months.

Oh, and I finally finished editing and uploaded our cruise pics, so I'll hopefully get around to sharing some tomorrow!

Monday, October 13, 2008

Saturday 10/4:-Rise and shine-Ready and out the door-Pick up donuts and sausage rolls-Meet up with In-laws-Hit the road-Long drive-Wait in car line at port parking-Wait in security line-Wait in registration line-Board the ship-Wait in photograph line-Hit our room-Wander the ship-Get ready for dinner-Eat in Dining Room-Back to room to make a drink-A little time in the piano bar-Hit the hay

Sunday, 10/5:-Rise and shine-Room service for breakfast-Shower and get ready-Do some wandering-Lunch in the Dining Room with family-Round of mini-golf with Andreas-Lay out with a pina colada, chatting with Deana-Get ready-Captain's Welcome Party-Captain's Dinner in the Dining Room-Change-Hit Chinatown for people watching-Couple of tunes in the piano bar-Bed

Monday, 10/6:-Happy 2nd Anniversary to Us!-Rise and shine, docked in Cozumel-Room service breakfast, all mixed up-Get ready-Taxi to Nachi Cocom-Relax on the beach, float in the cool ocean, drink pina coladas and Coronas, eat nachos and quesadillas-Taxi back to boat, immediately miss Nachi Cocom-Buy some vanilla and maracas-Wait in line to board-Back in room, shower-Get ready-Anniversary dinner in Dining Room-Champagne, special song and celebratory tiramisu-Change clothes-Watch Jack in Guest Talent Show-Chinatown again-Bedtime

Tuesday, 10/7:-Rise and shine, docked in Progreso-Breakfast on the Lido Deck-Get ready-Debark and find tour group-Bus ride to Uxmal with Armando, Alfonso and Armando-Explore Uxmal with Alfonso-Climb Governor's Palace-Get bitten by mosquito the size of fly-Ice cream treat-Back on the bus, long drive back-Back on the boat-Grab a Drink of the Day, Blue Margarita- whew!-Visit with In-Laws-Shower-Order Room Service and have movie night with Drea-Head up to the Deck Party and Mexican Buffet-Bedtime

Wednesday:-Rise and shine-Breakfast on Lido Deck, a little rainy-Back to room to be lazy-Back to Lido Deck for pina coladas-Play TV Theme Trivia- I won!-Have celebratory strawberry daiquiri-Show off trophy to In-laws-Grab some ice cream-Walk around ship-Bite to eat on Lido Deck-Jazz at the coffee bar-Back to room for a little nap-Shower and get ready-Last dinner in Dining Room, say goodbye to our head waiter Denis-Change clothes-Pack and set baggage out-Stroll around the boat-Enjoy the moonlight on the open water-Watch a bit of television-Hit the hay

Thursday:-Rise and shine-Get ready-Get rest of carry luggage together-Last breakfast on the Lido Deck-Wait for our zone to be called-Debark, find luggage and go through customs-Wait for In-laws-Get on the road-Nap until Huntsville-Pit stop at Dairy Queen!-Arrive at In-law's-Head back home-Vacation over already!?!? Boooo!

Friday, October 3, 2008

I still have so much to get done! But ready or not we leave bright and early tomorrow morning for a nice float down to Mexico. Looks like rain is the forecast, but we're not going to let that spoil our fun. How does that song go? "If you like pina coladas, and getting caught in the rain..", haha. I can't wait for fruity drinks, nice dinners, and a couple of nights in the piano bar. And I've got my fingers crossed that this cold I'm dealing with will continue to be relatively easy. Just gotta keep my Zicam with me! Hope everyone has a great week while we're relaxing! Oh lord, I've got a night of packing ahead of me too. I thought about sharing my packing list, but who has time for that much typing? ;) Adios amigos!!

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Josh and I went to see Iron & Wine and The Swell Season last night. Incredible. My favorite moment at any concert is almost always when everyone lifts their voices up to sing that one song that we all know by heart. Last night that moment lasted half of the Swell Season's set. Most notably, of course, was "Falling Slowly". Without a doubt the best concert moment I've had in a long, long time. I love having that fleeting connection with a roomful of strangers, and with the music-makers themselves. And I love cute Irish boys, of which there were more than one on stage. :)

Saturday:-Oh, hangover-More girl talk with Steph-Hang out with Rodney-Watch last half of The Maltese Falcon-Josh picks me up on his way back from flight in from NYC-Grab some grub-Eat and hear all about Josh's trip-Snuggle and snooze

Monday, September 22, 2008

Friday:-Work, yuck-30 minute walk-Josh gets home, order Chinese in-Eat and watch The Shadow of the Thin Man-Grey came by to hang out-Hit the hay

Saturday:-Oversleep-30 minute walk-Make french toast for breakfast/lunch-Watch Gilmore Girls S2 and work on cruise plans-Catch most of Bride & Prejudice while planning cruise wardrobe-Leftover Chinese, mmm-Get ready-Hit Old Navy for sale-Head to Jazz On The Boulevard festival for Fort Worth Jazz Orchestra-Home for frozen pizza and more GG-Night-night

Sunday:-Oversleep-Breakfast, cottage cheese and blueberry crumb bar-Watch dvr'd What Not To Wear-30 minute walk with Josh-Shower-Catch half of Pirates of the Caribbean on TV-Grocery shopping-Get ready-Dinner and movie, Rosemary's Baby, at Rob & LeAnn's-Home to bed

Friday, September 19, 2008

It is feeling like fall in these parts. Sometimes it seems a bit sad that highs in the mid-80's is autumn to us, but what can ya do? I need a coat when I leave for work in the morning and I've taken THREE after work walks this week. Nice to have pleasant, non-suffocating weather again. I even think I might make some Pumpkin Bread this weekend.

I got a Paper Source catalog in the mail on Monday and I thought this place card idea was so cute. I tore the picture out to tuck away for a future harvest party. You know, when I can fit more than 4 people in my dining room. The kit is only $12.50 for enough to make 8, but you could easily buy the individual supplies too. So cute!

Monday, September 15, 2008

Thanks for all your good thoughts! My family made it through the hurricane safely and loss of power is the biggest problem for them at this time.

Friday:-Work, blech-Home for some WKRP on the dvr-Over to Mom-in-law's to drop off gift-Central Market for my previously promised piece of cake-Home to order pizza-Eat pizza and watch Gilmore Girl S1 episodes-Switch between Weather Channel and KHOU for Hurricane Ike updates-Eat cake-Brush teeth and climb in bed-Night of sleeping with periodic news watching interspersed

Saturday:-Oversleep-Leftover pizza for breakfast/lunch-More Gilmore Girls-Shower-Get ready-Head to Fuzzy's with Floyd and Jared-Eat, drink and meet up with Eddie, Nina and Noakes-Head out to Aledo for the Murray wedding-Ceremony-Hang out with the old gang for the reception-Head home-Snack-Fall asleep watching Another Thin Man

Friday, September 12, 2008

Please think good thoughts for my sister Nicci and her husband Bryan. They'll be riding out Hurricane Ike in Houston. And Uncle Jeremy, who is on hurricane duty at the plant. And of course everyone who has to deal with this big, scary storm. Dad, Lindsey, Sherri and Austin have all already evacuated to San Antonio.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

I'm still trying to get some physical activity while I wait for walking temperatures to return. I've compiled a little 25 minute routine that's been working for me so far. I just hop-to as soon as I get home from work each day. It's nothing impressive, but for a pretty out of shape gal it's definitely a start. It goes a little something like this:

Well, here we go! What have I been doing to keep up with my New Year's Resolutions and Goals?

-Reading: I finally picked a book up again after a bit of a hiatus. Of course it's the biggest book I've ever read (Have I mentioned how I'm not that great a reader before?), so it's taking me awhile. But I'm really enjoying it, so hopefully I'll persevere to the end.-Newsweek: I'm supposed to be keeping up with my Newsweek subscription. I'm, uh, not doing so well. But I am catching up this week, so I think I'll be back on target shortly!-Get physical: After a tiny hiatus after my dental work I started back with my new exercise routine. I really need to figure out some type of cardio I like, as I'm pretty uch only doing strength training stuff right now. But it's better than nothing, and as the heat starts to ease up I look forward to starting back with walking again. I miss it a lot.-Improve wardrobe: While infirmed last week I looked over outfits that I had collected from Emily's What To Wear posts and ideas from catalogs. I made a list of my favorite items in my closet and a list of all the basics that I'm lacking (hint: it's a lot). I ordered several new layering tanks in basic colors, two styles white button down shirts, and three pairs of flats. This weekend was the great pants expedition, with minimal success. But progress is progress.-Create a list of life goals: I already did this. Now, I just have to actually accomplish some of the things on it!-Use Money program to keep track finances weekly: Better than that I've been doing it two or three times a week.

There's plenty of stuff to still check off my resolutions list, and with it being September already, I'd better get to work!

Monday, September 8, 2008

Friday:-Work, yuck-Unwind a bit-Get ready-Eat dinner-Listen to Fate Lions practice in my living room-Finish getting ready-Head to Lola's for Fate Lions and Salim show-Hang out with Leah and friend-Good show, great music, fun night-Head home-Hit the hay

Saturday:-Rise and shine-Make French toast- finally doing some chewing!-Apply for passport-Head back home for Josh's coffee break-Peruse Kimbell Art Museum's permanent collection-Take photos around outside of museum-Lunch at Chili's-Home to brush and rinse-Hulen mall for shopping-Try on 30 pairs of pants, buy 2-Go home, call Holly to bemoan my defeat-Work on menu plan and grocery list-Sleeptown